Adjustable porch and steps

ABSTRACT

An elevated platform structure having steps on one or more sides and which is adjustable to accommodate different heights and irregularities in the supporting surface is provided. A rectangular framework supports a platform which is particularly adapted to serve as a porch or entryway. Four leg members, each of which is independently adjustable in a vertical plane support the framework. At one side of the framework first and second leg means are movable between retracted positions underlying the platform and extended positions projecting outwardly and downwardly at an acute angle. One or more steps is supported by the leg means. The leg means are each movable in two directions independent of the other for accommodating irregular support surfaces. First and second handrails extend downwardly from above the framework and are joined with the leg means to couple the latter with the framework. The handrails are moved outwardly as the leg means are extended and always remain coupled with the leg means regardless of the latter&#39;&#39;s position.

United States Patent 11 1 Lee, Sr. et al.

[ 1 ADJUSTABLE PORCH AND STEPS [76] Inventors: Herschel D. Lee, Sr.; Herschel D. Lee, Jr., both of 2608 NW. 66th St., Kansas City. Mo. 64151 [22] Filed: Aug. 16, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 497,860

Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or F irmLowe, Kokjer, Kircher, Wharton & Bowman m1 3,891,052 51 June 24, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT An elevated platform structure having steps on one or more sides and which is adjustable to accommodate different heights and irregularities in the supporting surface is provided. A rectangular framework supports a platfonn which is particularly adapted to serve as a porch or entryway. Four leg members. each of which is independently adjustable in a vertical plane support the framework. At one side of the framework first and second leg means are movable between retracted positions underlying the platform and extended positions projecting outwardly and downwardly at an acute angle. One or more steps is supported by the leg means. The leg means are each movable in two directions independent of the other for accommodating irregular support surfaces. First and second handrails extend downwardly from above the framework and are joined with the leg means to couple the latter with the framework. The handrails are moved outwardly as the leg means are extended and always remain coupled with the leg means regardless of the latters position.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE PORCH AND STEPS This invention relates generally to platform structures and, more particularly. to a platform structure having steps leading to it wherein the vertical height and orientation of both the platform and the steps may be varied to accommodate different supporting surfaces and to place the structure at different elevations.

In many different situations it is desirable to have an elevated platform disposed in spaced relationship to a supporting surface. It is also often desirable to be able to change the vertical height of the platform to accommodate different usages. For example, with mobile homes the height from the ground to the floor level of the home will vary depending upon the particular type of home and the way in which it is supported relative to the ground. It is, of course. the common practice to park mobile homes in a fixed location and then raise the home off of its wheels to support it on a semipermanent foundation. Different terrains are invariably encountered in the placement of mobile homes and this has made it extremely difficult to provide a porch or entryway to the home which can be utilized in different locations with different types of mobile homes. It has also been found that the supporting surface for a porch or entryway into a mobile home will normally be somewhat irregular thus requiring shimmeying or some other makeshift mode of leveling steps to a porch or entryway.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an elevated platform structure having multiple stanchion means supporting it which are independently movable in a vertical plane for leveling purposes and including steps leading to the platform which are also adjustable.

It is an object ofthis invention to provide an elevated platform structure having leg means with steps thereon projecting from one side of the platform and wherein the leg means are movable between extended and retracted positions thereby accommodating transport of the platform structure over long distances.

It is also an important aim of this invention to provide an elevated platform structure having leg means with steps thereon leading to the platform and wherein the leg means may be disposed in different angular orientations relative to the supporting framework to accommodate variations in the supporting surface.

As a corollary to the above aim, an objective of my invention is to provide elevated platform structure wherein each of the leg means is independently movable in two directions to further facilitate placement on an irregular surface.

As still another corollary to the aim second above stated, an objective of this invention is to provide elevated platform structure wherein the steps disposed between the leg means are movable in two directions independent of the leg means so as to adapt the platform structure for different elevations on different supporting surfaces.

Another important object of this invention is to provide an elevated platform structure as described in the foregoing aims and objects wherein handrail supports are provided which move in unison with the leg means which support the steps thereby assuring that the handrails will always be properly oriented relative to the step means and regardless of the position or orientation of the latter.

Still another one of the objectives of my invention is to provide an elevated platform structure which can be easily adapted for a single set of steps at any side of the platform or two or more sets of steps on different sides of the platform thereby accommodating a wide variety of needs and usages.

An aim of the invention is also to provide elevated platform structure as described in the foregoing objects wherein the platform itself is movable in and out of a framework thereby facilitating construction as well as transport over long distances.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa preferred form of the invention illustrating the platform structure in one position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a enlarged fragmentary vertical crosssectional view taken through one of the upright tubular supports which couples the handrails between the leg means and the framework;

FIG. 4 is another enlarged view of the structure of FIG. 1 being a fragmentary side elevational view. partially in cross section. and illustrating movement of the stanchion and leg means;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view looking in the direction of arrows 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view further illustrating the means for accommodating various movements of the leg means and handrail supports;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view ofa modified form ofthe invention; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal cross section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, wherein the elevated platform structure of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10, structure 10 comprises a generally rectangular framework 12 supported by leg members 14 and having a platform 16 supported by the framework. A guard rail 18 extends upwardly from framework 12 and a hand rail 20 extends downwardly at one end of the framework to step structure 22.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is seen that framework 12 is formed by two opposed parallel sides 24 which are rigidly joined at right angles with two opposed parallel sides 26. Each side 24 and 26 is identical except for the longer length of sides 24 and thus only one of the sides will be described in greater detail. Each side is formed from flat metal stock to present a generally planar face plate 24a which is integral with a cover plate 241:. Forming the inside perimeter of framework 12 is an L-shaped bracket 24c which is integral with cover plate 24b. Bracket 24c presents a seat for platform 16 which is comprised ofa wooden sheet 28 cov ered with carpeting 30 or the like.

Welded or otherwise rigidly secured adjacent each corner of framework 12 is an elongated tubular sleeve 32 which telescopically receives the stanchion presenting leg member 14. Each leg member 14 is provided with a flange 34 at its ground-engaging end and is held rigidly in position relative to sleeve 32 by set screws 36. In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a stabilizing bar 38 for coupling the leg members 14 at one end with one another. Stabilizing bar 38 is provided with sleeve fittings 40 at each end to accommodate telescoping movement of legs 14. A set screw 42 threadably received by each fitting 40 assures that the corresponding leg member 14 will be held in rigid relationship to the fitting once it is in its desired position.

Disposed immediately above and in alignment with each tubular sleeve 32 at the four corners of framework 12 is an upright tubular support 44 rigid with cover plate 24b. An appropriate opening in cover plate 24b intercommunicates the interior of each support 44 with the sleeve 32 immediately therebeneath so that a leg member 14 may be telescoped up into support 44. The three supports 44 along two sides of framework 12 are provided with female couplings 44:: which receive cross bars 46 and 48 to thereby present the guard rail 18. As illustrated in FIG. 2, it may be desirable to pro vide additional set screws 47 in each upright support 44 to facilitate retention of leg members 14 when the latter are telescoped into supports 44. Also, set screws 50 are provided in each of the female couplings 44a to re-- tain cross bars 46 and 48.

Two of the upright tubular supports 44 at one end of framework 12 are provided with generally eliptical openings 52 for receiving one end of each hand rail 20. Each hand rail 20 is identical and comprises an upper most stretch 200 which is disposed at an angle of preferably about 30 to a downwardly extending stretch 20b. Stretch 20b forms an angle of preferably about 90 with a third stretch 20c. Finally stretch 20 forms an angle of approximately 30 with an end stretch 20d rigid with it. The end of stretch 20a which is received within opening 52 is provided with a locking pin 54 for retaining the hand rail within support 44. The end of stretch 20d is received by a two-way female fitting 55 and retained therein by a set screw 56 (FIG. 6).

Fitting 55 also telescopically receives a cross brace 58. Brace 58 is retained in fitting 54 by a second set screw 56. The opposite end of brace 58 is similarly received within a second fitting 54 coupled with the second hand rail 20. Brace 58 also serves to mount two spaced apart female fittings 60 which in turn mount the step structure 22. Although only one of the fittings 60 is shown in the drawing, it is to be understood that a second such fitting is disposed at the opposite end of brace 58. Each fitting 60 is a two-way female fitting presenting openings in two intersecting generally vertical planes. A set screw 62 provides means for securely locking fitting 62 relative to brace 58.

Step structure 22 comprises two spaced apart legs 64 each of which has an elongated segment 64a disposed at an angle of approximately 45 relative to a shorter integral end segment 64b. At the end of segment 64a which is opposite segment 64b a foot 64(- is rigidly coupled. Slidably disposed on each of the segments 64a is a tubular T-fitting 66 (FIG. Fitting 66 is held in place relative to segment 64a by set screws 68. A step support 70 is received by one end of each T-fitting and held in place by a third set screw 68. Support 0 receives a pair of flanged collar brackets 72 which mount a step 74. Step 74 is covered with carpet 76 or the like in a manner analogous to wood sheet 23. Bracket 72 is rotatable on support 70 but may be held in rigid rela tionship thereto by a set screw 78.

In use. platform structure is particularly adapted for presenting a porch and entryway to a mobile home. Each of the leg members 14 is independently adjustable to the desired vertical height so as to accommodate any type of unlevel supporting surface. When legs 14 are properly adjusted, set screws 36 are secured to hold the legs in place. Legs 64 may be moved from a fully retracted position generally underlying platform I6 and generally behind the vertical plane of side 26 to extended positions of various degree. The desired degree of extension of legs 64 and their angular relationship relative to framework 12 is selected by loosening set screws 62 in fitting 60 and also set screws 56 in fitting 54. With the set screws of the respective fittings loosened, each of the legs 64 is independently movable in two generally perpendicular horizontal and vertical planes as indicated by the arrows designated by the letters A and B in FIG. 6. Also, hand rail 20 is movable in a generally vertical plane as indicated by the arrow designated by the letter C in FIG. 6. Since each leg 64 is movable independent of the other leg. irregularities in the supporting surface can be accommodated without interfering with the stability of the step structure. Manifestly, step 74 may be moved relative to legs 64 so as to properly position it between platform 16 and the supporting surface. This is accomplished by loosening set screws 68 of the fittings 66 until the desired position is achieved. Also. step 74 may always be disposed in a perfectly level orientation as a result of the adjustment permitted by set screws 73.

Since hand rails 20 are coupled with legs 64 through fittings 54 and the legs are correspondingly coupled with each other through brace 58, the entire structure and associated hand rails will move outwardly to their extended positions in unison. The eliptical openings 52 and supports 44 accommodate sufficient movement of hand rails 20 to assure that the latter may be properly positioned relative to legs 64.

When the platform structure It] is to be transported over long distances, platform 16 may be removed by lifting it off of brackets 24c. This substantially lightens the weight of the structure, making it easier to pick up and move. Legs 14 may also be fully retracted into supports 44 to shorten the overall height of the structure. Finally, step structure 22 may be fully retracted into its position with the major portion of its length generally behind the vertical plane of side 26, thus also collapsing hand rails 20.

A modified form of platform structure is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and is designated generally by the numeral 110. Structure comprises a framework 12 identical to the framework for the embodiment described above. Similarly, leg members 14 and platform 16 as well as guard rail 18 are all identical to the structure above described.

Platform structure I10 is intended for use in locations where the maximum height of platform 16 is relatively close to the supporting surface. Thus, hand rails 20 are omitted in the modified structure and legs 64 are coupled directly with leg members 14. A sleeve fitting [40 is disposed on each of the leg members I4 and is provided with a set screw 142 for holding it in position. Each fitting is provided with an integral threaded nipple 144 which is received within a threaded socket I46 that is integral with a collar 148. Collar 148 is slidably received on leg segment 64a and is held in place by a set screw 150.

It will be appreciated that in use the threaded coupling between leg members l4 and legs 64 permits a wide range of angular movement so as to accommodate variations in the supporting surface. Legs 64 are, however, fully supported through couplings 140 and 148 without dependence upon the hand rails which have been omitted. This construction is suitable for locations where the height of the overall structure does not make it imperative to utilize the hand rails.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications of this invention are possible without departing from the scope thereof. For example, in the preferred embodiment, fittings 60 may be turned 180 about the axis of brace 58 before insertion of legs 64. This places end segments 64b above brace 58 rather than below it as illustrated in the drawing and shortens the minimum distance possible between steps 74 and platform 16. Another modification which can easily be accommodated is to reorient fitting 54 ninety degrees so that stretch d and brace 58 are received in opposite ends of the female fitting from that shown in the drawing. With such an arrangement, stretch 20d may be moved in two directions generally paralleling the planes of movement represented by arrows A and C rather than a single plane of movement.

It is also contemplated that in some instances it may be desirable to provide more than one step 74 along legs 64. Still another modification which is desirable for certain installations is to provide step structure 22 at two opposite sides of framework 12 rather than the sin gle step structure 22 shown in the drawing. It may also be found desirable to place a single step structure 22 along the front of framework 12 rather than at one or both sides as shown and described herein. Still other modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. Elevated platform structure comprising:

a framework adapted to support a platform member;

stanchion means for supporting said framework at different elevations;

first and second spaced apart leg means coupled with said framework at one side of the latter for movement between a retracted position wherein said legs are disposed substantially to one side of an imaginary vertical plane coplanar with said one side to an extended position wherein said legs project from said plane away from said one side, each of said first and second legs being movable in at least two directions independent of the other; means for holding said first and second leg means at different acute angles relative to said imaginary vertical plane; and

means for presenting a step extending between said first and second leg means.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein is included first and second upright supports rigid with and projecting above said framework; and first and second handrails coupling said first and second leg means with said first and second upright supports.

3. The invention of claim I, wnerein is included means for accommodating extension of one of said leg means independent of the other leg means.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein is included means for accommodating movement of one of said leg means in a generally vertical plane independent of the other leg means.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein is included means for coupling said first and second leg means together.

6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said stanchion means comprises a plurality of upright leg members, each of said members being movable in a vertical plane independent of the other members.

7. The invention ofclaim 1. wherein the step presenting means includes means for holding said step at different locations along the length of said first and second leg means.

8. The invention of claim 7. wherein said step presenting means includes a support extending between said first and second leg means, a generally planar member coupled with said support, and means for holding said planar member in a generally horizontal position regardless of the angular disposition of said first and second leg means.

9. The invention of claim 1, wherein is included a platform disposed on said framework.

10. The invention ofclaim 9, wherein said framework is generally rectangular and is including first, second, third and fourth upright tubular supports rigid with said framework and projecting above the latter, said stanchion means comprising first, second, third and fourth leg members telescopically received by said tubular supports. and means for holding each of said leg members in rigid relationship to said framework. 

1. Elevated platform structure comprising: a framework adapted to support a platform member; stanchion means for supporting said framework at different elevations; first and second spaced apart leg means coupled with said framework at one side of the latter for movement between a retracted position wherein said legs are disposed substantially to one side of an imaginary vertical plane coplanar with said one side to an extended position wherein said legs project from said plane away from said one side, each of said first and second legs being movable in at least two directions independent of the other; means for holding said first and second leg means at different acute angles relative to said imaginary vertical plane; and means for presenting a step extending between said first and second leg means.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein is included first and second upright supports rigid with and projecting above said framework; and first and second handrails coupling said first and second leg means with said first and second upright supports.
 3. The invention of claim 1, wnerein is included means for accommodating extension of one of said leg means independent of the other leg means.
 4. The invention of claim 3, wherein is included means for accommodating movement of one of said leg means in a generally vertical plane independent of the other leg means.
 5. The invention of claim 4, wherein is included means for coupling said first and second leg means together.
 6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said stanchion means comprises a plurality of upright leg members, each of said members being movable in a vertical plane independent of the other members.
 7. The invention of claim 1, wherein the step presenting means includes means for holding said step at different locations along the length of said first and second leg means.
 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein said step presenting means includes a support extending between said first and second leg means, a generally planar member coupled with said support, and means for holding said planar member in a generally horizontal position regardless of the angular disposition of said first and second leg means.
 9. The invention of claim 1, wherein is included a platform disposed on said framework.
 10. The invention of claim 9, wherein said framework is generally rectangular and is including first, second, third and fourth upright tubular supports rigid with said framework and projecting above the latter, said stanchion means comprising first, second, third and fourth leg members telescopically received by said tubular supports, and means for holding each of said leg mEmbers in rigid relationship to said framework. 